LAFC or Philadelphia? MLS Cup predictions from the experts

Anytime I get asked to make predictions regarding MLS I am immediately struck with anxiety. For this MLS Cup it will be the two No. 1 seeds duking it out for the hardware. So, predicting who will win is stressing me out even more than usual. But since I’ve been tasked with giving a resolute answer, I am predicting LAFC to be your 2022 MLS Cup champions.

Not much separates these two teams in terms of talent, but I believe there are a couple of X-factors at play here: Number one is momentum. A huge emotional win over the Galaxy in a playoff edition of El Trafico followed by an absolute thrashing of Austin FC has them feeling themselves. I witnessed both of these games in person and I’ve never seen a more motivated LAFC team.

X-factor number two is Banc of California Stadium. It’s just hard to imagine that Steve Cherundolo, the Southern California guy, would allow his team to squander the opportunity to win their first MLS Cup title in front of the 3252. LAFC supporters are some of the most passionate I’ve ever seen and the Banc was deafening last weekend. I have to believe it will be even more electric on Saturday. It will be close, and it will come down to the little things, but I’m giving the edge to LAFC. Dale Black & Gold, baby.